KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs added depth to their quarterback room on Saturday, selecting Garrett Nussmeier from Louisiana State University (LSU) with the 249th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The selection of Nussmeier, a quarterback initially projected to be drafted earlier, provides the Chiefs with a developmental option behind Patrick Mahomes.
Nussmeier’s journey to the NFL has been marked by both promise and challenges. He spent three seasons as a backup at LSU before becoming the starting quarterback in 2024, where he showcased his arm talent, throwing for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns in 13 games. While a 2025 injury limited his playing time to nine starts, during which he still managed 1,927 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, he finished his collegiate career with a total of 7,699 passing yards and 52 touchdowns across 40 games (23 starts).
Sliding in the Draft: Medical Concerns and Potential
The quarterback’s draft stock took an unexpected turn, as he slid down the board despite his on-field production. Reports indicated that medical concerns played a significant role in his lower-than-expected draft position. Nussmeier underwent testing at the NFL Scouting Combine which revealed a cyst on his spine. The cyst was pressing on a nerve and is believed to have contributed to persistent oblique pain during the 2025 season.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported that Nussmeier is currently asymptomatic, but a minimally invasive procedure could be required if symptoms return, potentially sidelining him for two to three weeks. The cyst is not expected to pose a long-term risk, but the uncertainty surrounding his health likely caused teams to hesitate. The Chiefs, but, were willing to take a chance on the LSU product.
What Nussmeier Brings to Kansas City
Despite the concerns, the Chiefs saw enough potential in Nussmeier to use a seventh-round pick on him. Analysts have noted his arm talent and ability to make throws from various arm angles. Dane Brugler, a respected draft analyst, ranked Nussmeier as the third-best quarterback in the class, behind only Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson. Brugler praised Nussmeier’s “arm talent and command” as foundational traits that often translate well to the professional level.
However, Brugler’s evaluation also highlighted areas for improvement, noting Nussmeier’s inconsistency in diagnosing coverages and working through progressions. The Chiefs’ coaching staff will likely focus on developing these aspects of his game. Nussmeier himself expressed excitement about the opportunity to learn from Mahomes and the Chiefs’ established system.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to learn,” Nussmeier said, via ESPN. “I’m just grateful that I have this opportunity. I can only imagine…”
A Family Legacy in Football
Nussmeier’s football background extends beyond his own playing career. He is the son of Doug Nussmeier, a former NFL quarterback and coach. Doug Nussmeier played in the NFL and CFL before transitioning to a coaching career that included positions at multiple collegiate and professional levels. He is currently the Offensive Coordinator for the New Orleans Saints. This familial connection to the game provides Nussmeier with a unique perspective and understanding of the sport.
What This Means for the Chiefs’ Quarterback Room
The addition of Nussmeier provides the Chiefs with a valuable developmental quarterback. While Mahomes remains firmly entrenched as the starter, having a capable backup is crucial for any team contending for a championship. The Chiefs now have a quarterback room consisting of Mahomes, Nussmeier, and potentially other signal-callers vying for a roster spot. This competition will push each player to improve and contribute to the team’s success.
The Chiefs’ decision to draft Nussmeier, despite the medical concerns, demonstrates their willingness to invest in potential. If Nussmeier can overcome his health challenges and develop his skills, he could become a valuable asset for the team in the future. For now, he will focus on learning the Chiefs’ system and preparing himself for the opportunity to contribute when called upon.
The Chiefs will begin their offseason workouts in the coming weeks, providing Nussmeier with his first opportunity to practice with his new team. Fans will be watching closely to spot how he progresses and whether he can live up to the potential that made him a highly-regarded prospect before the draft.
Next Up: The Chiefs will continue their offseason program with organized team activities (OTAs) beginning in May. These practices will provide a crucial opportunity for Nussmeier to integrate into the offense and build rapport with his teammates.
